Clare Island to delay leaving lockdown

Edwin McGreal

Lockdown will last a bit longer on Clare Island than on the mainland.
Whilst the Government has permitted travel to offshore islands by non-residents from yesterday (Monday), many tourism providers on Clare Island are asking visitors to hold off from visiting the island until Friday, July 17.
In a statement issued last the weekend, the Board of the Cliara Development Company on Clare Island said that many tourism operators are not yet reopening.
“In order to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors, a large majority of Clare Island tourism operators have collectively decided to remain closed until Friday, July 17.
“This is necessary to finish ongoing renovations, recruit seasonal staff, order supplies, and put in place appropriate Covid-19 infrastructure.
“Until that date, accommodation, food and drink, and other essential facilities will not be available to tourists,” they stated.
They asked anyone visiting the island to be very aware of public-health guidelines.
“In line with guidelines for all public transport, ferry passengers should maintain social distancing and it is now mandatory to wear a face mask.
“We ask visitors to plan their visit carefully and take every precaution to ensure that you are not putting any members of the island community at risk, given our high proportion of elderly and vulnerable residents,” stated Cliara.
The statement also said that information on planning a trip to the island is available on www.clareisland.ie.